The C♯ Suspended 4th chord is a three-note chord made up of C♯, F♯, and G♯. It is built from a root, perfect fourth, and perfect fifth.
Construction
C♯ Suspended 4th = Root + Perfect 4th + Perfect 5th = C♯ · F♯ · G♯
| Note | Interval | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| C♯ | Root | 1 |
| F♯ | Perfect 4th | 4 |
| G♯ | Perfect 5th | 5 |
C♯ Suspended 4th Inversions
| Position | Notes |
|---|---|
| Root Position | C♯ – F♯ – G♯ |
| 1st Inversion | F♯ – G♯ – C♯ |
| 2nd Inversion | G♯ – C♯ – F♯ |
Key Signature
A Suspended 4th chord is built from symmetrical or ambiguous intervals, so it doesn’t belong to a single key and has no key signature of its own.
Same Notes, Other Names
The notes C♯ – F♯ – G♯ aren’t exclusive to this chord. Depending on which note is the bass and how the chord functions, the same pitches also spell:
C♯ Suspended 4th — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the C♯ Suspended 4th chord on piano?
The C♯ Suspended 4th chord contains the notes C♯ – F♯ – G♯. On piano, play these notes together to sound the chord.
What notes are in the C# Suspended 4th chord?
The C# Suspended 4th chord (C#sus4) contains: C# (root), F# (perfect fourth), and G# (perfect fifth). The perfect fourth replaces the third, creating a strong upward pull toward resolution — the 4th degree (F#) strongly wants to resolve down to the major third.
How does C# Suspended 4th differ from C#sus2?
Both replace the third, but C#sus2 uses the 2nd degree (giving an airy, neutral feel) while C# Suspended 4th uses the 4th degree (F#), which creates stronger tension. The sus4 chord has a more urgent, directional pull toward resolution than sus2.
What does "sus4" resolve to?
The 4th degree (F#) in a sus4 chord typically resolves down by one semitone to the major 3rd of the chord — this is the classical "suspension resolution." The movement F# → (major 3rd) is one of the most satisfying motions in Western harmony and drives the resolution from C#sus4 → C# Major.
How is C# Suspended 4th used in music?
Sus4 chords appear in nearly every genre. They create anticipation before resolution to a major chord, work as dramatic openings (Pinball Wizard, Hard Day's Night), and add harmonic colour in pop and classical music. The C# Suspended 4th is especially common as a pre-dominant chord that builds tension before the final chord of a phrase.
What songs use suspended 4th chords?
A Hard Day's Night (Beatles) opens with a sus4 chord. Pinball Wizard (The Who) uses sus4 throughout. Feelin' Alright (Traffic), Behind Blue Eyes (The Who), and many hymns use sus4 chords for their characteristic build-and-release quality.
Can I use C# Suspended 4th before C# Major?
Yes — C#sus4 → C# Major is one of the most satisfying resolutions in music. The fourth degree (F#) resolves down to the major third, while the root and fifth stay constant. This V–I style resolution works in any tempo and style, from gospel to pop to classical.